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Wall Street Steadies as Trump Softens China Rhetoric, Banks Rebound

U.S. stocks swung between losses and gains on Friday before finding some footing, as President Donald Trump dialed back threats of steep new tariffs on Chinese imports. His remarks helped ease investor concerns over an escalating trade conflict that had rattled markets earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged higher, while the S&P 500 hovered near the flatline. The Nasdaq Composite pared earlier declines, supported by a rebound in technology shares. Futures trading showed modest gains for the Dow and S&P 500, while Nasdaq contracts remained slightly negative. Regional bank stocks, which had been under pressure amid worries about loan quality and credit risks, also staged a recovery. Analysts noted that while investor sentiment remains fragile, Trump’s comments signaled a willingness to avoid measures that could further destabilize the global economy. Market watchers say volatility is likely to persist as Wall Street weighs trade policy uncertainty agai...

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The Perils of Cash Hoarding: Why Canadians Should Invest Now

 


In recent years, Canadians have amassed a staggering $400-billion in excess savings, a figure that represents 13 per cent of the nation’s GDP. This phenomenon, largely a result of the pandemic savings boom and economic uncertainty, has led to a culture of cash hoarding. However, experts warn that the reluctance to invest this cash could be a costly mistake.

The Opportunity Cost of Cash: While the security of a large cash buffer is comforting, especially in tumultuous times, it comes with an opportunity cost. Money sitting in bank accounts or term deposits like GICs is money not growing through investment. With the Dow Jones and S&P/TSX Composite Index showing strong performance, and bond yields moving favorably, the potential for wealth growth through investing is significant.

Investment Strategies: Lump Sum vs. Dollar-Cost Averaging When faced with the decision of how to invest excess savings, research suggests that investing a lump sum immediately is often the best strategy. This approach typically outperforms alternatives such as dollar-cost averaging or waiting for market dips, which can result in missed opportunities and lower returns.

Embracing the Market’s Growth Potential Despite the fear of investing at market highs, history shows that the stock market is a robust engine for growth. Delaying investment in hopes of a better entry point is likely to hinder long-term financial gains. Canadians are encouraged to overcome the psychological barriers of cash hoarding and tap into the market’s proven potential.

In conclusion, while the instinct to hoard cash during uncertain times is understandable, Canadians must recognize the importance of putting their excess savings to work. Investing now, rather than waiting, is a strategic move that aligns with historical data and the principles of wealth building.

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